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A SONG AND A PRAYER |
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MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 1-15, 2006
Enter subhead content here  MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 15, 2006 -
I AM NOT A PIANO MOUSE! Hebrews 11:3 (The Living Bible) Are you a
piano mouse? I read an cute but thought-provoking story about the piano mice. They all lived securely
inside of a big piano. They enjoyed the music and felt the comfort it brought to them as they lived safely in their
home. But one day one of them decided to explore and try to figure out where the music came from. Before this,
they had all just believed it came from the an unseen player. As the little mouse made it to the strings, he felt very
empowered, knowing that obviously the music came from the strings. Soon after, another curious mouse decided to check
it out and went a bit further finding the hammers. This time he brought the news back that the music most certainly came
from the hammers. The other mice readily accepted the theory and they all began to believe that the unseen player was
just a myth even though the player continued to play. There are all
kinds of theories today that would take our faith away from the Unseen Player who created this world, our home, from nothing
except His spoken word. We must not be drawn away from Him and have our faith dashed by those who would obtain
a bit of knowledge and consider it the final word. The final word always belongs to God whose ways and thoughts are
so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). There is the beginning of our faith. It is really hinged on us believing the very first verse
of the Bible. He spoke the world into existence. He created it from nothing but His infinite wisdom
and understanding (Proverbs 3:19). The Unseen Player continues to play and even sing over believers with joy (Zephaniah 3:17)! Are you a faith filled believer or are you a proud unbelieving piano mouse? Either way, the
Unseen Player continues His beautiful music just waiting for us to acknowledge Him. He does not change. He is
always faithful, though we may doubt. Psalm 33:4-11 says it very clearly and gives us great reason to rejoice and put our faith in the only sure thing.
Not in strings. Not in hammers. Not in current theories. But, in the living God! MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 14, 2006 - FAME Hebrews 11:2 (The Living Bible) Do you want to
become famous? I don't mean fame as the world sees it. No, you may never be in the headlines of the morning
news, on the cover of Time Magazine or in the latest movie. But today, just as in days of old, people of God are famous
for their faith. The whole of Hebrews, Chapter 11, is filled with examples of people mentioned for one thing.
Their faith. It was their testimony. It was what caused them to persevere in spite of circumstances and situations
that looked impossible. The New Testament goes on to
validate the premise that those of great faith will become famous in the Kingdom of God. Many are mentioned, although
some not even by name. It was not their name or who they were who made them famous. It was their faith.
Think of the woman with the issue of blood who pressed her way through the crowd because her faith told her that even though
no doctor had been able to heal her, Jesus could (Luke 8:43-48). There were a couple of blind men who received their sight when Jesus touched them (Matthew 9:27-30). Jesus prayed for Peter. He prayed that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). Peter would never have been able to complete the task given to him by God if his faith had failed.
Yes, he had lapses sometimes (Luke 22:34). He was human, just as we are. It even looked as though his faith had failed. But God
is faithful even when we waiver (2 Timothy 2:13). In the end, Peter persevered in his faith. We must do that too. There are many, many more incidents of people mentioned because of their faith. Their testimony has come down
through the ages to encourage us. To give us examples of how faith will allow us to emerge victorious from potentially
devastating circumstances. The greatest of these deliverances that we receive through faith is salvation (Luke 7:50). Our faith in the saving power of Jesus will allow us to escape the coming judgment and live in Heaven
with Him for eternity. Faith causes us to obey. Faith causes us to persevere. Faith causes us to have
hope. Faith causes us to love. It's no wonder that we cannot please God without it! (Hebrews 11:6) What is and will be your claim to fame? What
legacy will you leave? Hopefully, you will be in Heaven's Hall of Faith along with those described in Hebrews, Chapter
11 and throughout the whole Bible. Is your faith showing today? MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 13, 2006
- HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD Romans 10:17 (King James Version) These
are the days of instant gratification. A common saying is "what you see is what you get". I used to
say that but it is actually very shallow. I submit to you, noting the above verse, that, "what you hear is what
you get." When you hear the Word of God, it ignites faith. Faith allows you to see things that aren't
there (Hebrews 11:1). Now before you get to thinking I'm off my rocker, please stay with me. We say that the things
we see by faith are not there because we are trained by the world to see with our physical eyes. We are trained
to see with our natural eyes. If we can't see it with our eyes, we assume it is not there. Wait a second.
What about the blind person? They can't see the cars in the street but that does not mean the cars are not
there. If they walk out in front of them just because they don't see them - well, you get the picture! By
the same token, the blind often have other senses that are heightened, such as hearing. Because they hear the cars,
they will not walk out in front of them, thereby saving their lives. It
is much the same with our faith in God. It increases the more we hear His Word. We need to allow God to develop
our spiritual ears. Many times Jesus said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." That is why it
is important to be in a fellowship that preaches the Word of God. That is why it is important for each of us to take
what we hear and go back to the Word to see if it is true. Like the blind man, we may not be able to see everything
physically or understand everything intellectually (Isaiah 55:9). But, God has given us spiritual ears that perk up when His Word is spoken (Psalm 40:6). What are you listening to today? Oprah? As The World Turns? MTV? Of course,
I know that would not be you! But somebody is or it would not be on the air (Psalm 78:1). When was the last time you listened to someone preach the Word of God? Hopefully, it was yesterday
in your home church. If you were not able to attend, perhaps you viewed a preacher on TV or heard one on the radio.
Many ministries put out CD's and tapes of sermons and teaching materials (Proverbs 23:12). If you had none of those, maybe you opened your Bible and prayed for the Holy Spirit to speak to you through
His World as you read (he does still speak when invited). (Isaiah 30:21) If you want your faith to grow, one Sunday morning
a week is not enough. If God's mercies are new every morning, then we ought to be listening every morning (Lamentations 3:23). If great men like David meditated on His Word morning, noon and night (Psalm 1:2), what makes us think we can live an effective and faith-filled life if we are not willing to do the same?
The Word tells us that we should be speaking about it to our children (Deuteronomy 11:19). We ought to be speaking it into each other's lives instead of offering human sympathy when we
run into troubles (Ephesians 5:19). The Word is the answer but faith in it will not come until it is spoken and heard. Will you
be a listener today. After you have heard and your faith begins to grow, are you willing to speak it into some else's
life so that they can grow too? May God give us all ears to hear His Word and eyes to see by faith. MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 12, 2006
- FAITH WILL BE TESTED James 1:2 (The Message) First off,
this morning's manna will be posted late and, if you receive it by e-mail, it will be late. Secondly, I do not usually
use The Message Bible. It is not a translation but a para-phrase. But today is different. My own faith is
being tested as yours will be from time to time. No need to stress out (I'm speaking to myself but you're welcome
to listen in). We are assured that various trials will come from all sides. This is just to test our faith. Keep
in mind, God knows your heart. The test is mostly so we can see our own progress. In
getting these devotionals out this week, a couple of trials have appeared that have grieved, confused and, quite frankly made
me mad! First of all, I found myself in the hospital. Straight from an exercise training period (which I thought
was supposed to keep you OUT of the hospital). While my husband kindly brought me my trusty laptop, I was able to do
a day's manna from the bed there and get it out on the net. Thank God for Verizon air cards! However, I was
not able to send it to those of you who have requested it by e-mail. The hospital visit
ended at midnight Friday night and we were scheduled to leave for another state to visit and try to bring the message of the
gospel to someone very dear to us who had fallen into a great deal of trouble. I am now away from home and still unable
to send outgoing e-mail (though I am desperately contacting everyone I know, including the Lord, to find out exactly why).
Having said all of that, I am told in God's Word that during these tests and challenges, I am to consider it a "sheer
gift!" OK........ Help me Lord! If you are having similar situations in
your life, try to remember that it is a gift. We have been feeding on His Word regarding faith for a while
now. Remember tests will come. We only find out who we really are and what is in us when we're squeezed.
James 1:3 says it is to force our faith-life into the open to show its true colors. James 1:4 urges us not to try to get out of it but to let it work so we can become mature and well-developed.
So, my friends, let us consider it a gift that God has not forgotten us and is working faith in, and through us. He
always works things for the good if we belong to Him (Romans 8:28). That is why we can give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Let's give thanks this morning with a grateful heart knowing that God is working to make us more
like His Son (Romans 8:29). Hallelujah! MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 11, 2006 - ABRAHAM'S FAITH Romans 4:11-12 (New Living Translation) Abraham's faith came from the depths of his
heart and it was focused on God. He was obedient because he had faith. He was not obedient to try to obtain faith.
Abraham believed before he saw any promises. He believed before God gave him the sign of circumcision. Abraham
is the role model for the Jew and the gentile alike. God proves through him that it is not ceremony or ritual that brings
us close to Him but simple childlike faith. Faith that sees before there is anything to see with human eyes. Because
of this great faith, God calls Abraham the spiritual father of all believers. Abraham's faith was so great and he trusted God fully. When God saw such a man, even though he was imperfect,
God was pleased. So pleased that He counted Abraham's faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). God had promised Abram (He had not changed his name to Abraham yet) that he would have a son and that
he would give him many descendants. There was just one problem. Abraham was too old and his so was his wife.
But Abraham took God at His Word and God saw Abraham as righteous. We too must have faith like Abraham. Has God
given you a promise? Has He put a dream in your heart? Something impossible in the natural? Are there even
some things within the Word of God that seem hard for you to understand and grasp. God is looking for men and women
of faith. Those who will take him at His Word. Do you think Abraham understood how he could have a son when he
was 100 and Sarah was 90? Do you think he understood how his descendants would be more than the stars in the sky?
We may not understand everything that God promises but we can believe Him and step out in faith. Look at Romans 4:2-3. Abraham had nothing to boast about. He had done no great deeds to impress God. The only
thing he did was believe! Because of this Abraham had nothing to boast about. He couldn't point to a single
thing that he did in order to gain God's favor. So it is with us, the children of Abraham. We work
for wages and we receive what we work for. God's economy is much different. We cannot earn the thing we need
the most. There is not a thing we can do to make our selves in right standing with God. It is done completely
by faith (Romans 4:5). Yes, Ephesians 2:8 lets us know that the only way we can be right with God is through faith just like Abraham. No
ceremony such as baptism, confirmation, etc., can save us. None of our good works can save us. It is simply a
gift of God. It is His grace. And it is through our faith that we receive it. Have you been working
hard to try to get to God or gain His attention. Stop!! God's attention today is still focused on those, like
Abraham, who have faith. Those who believe what He says and walk in it in obedience and trust. Will you start
believing before you see? Will you be like Abraham today? Probably
soon, Jesus will return. He will be looking for one thing. Faith. (Luke 18:8) Will he find it in me and you? MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 10, 2006 - EXAM TIME 2 Corinthians 13:5 (New Living Translation) What is genuine faith? We are
told to examine ourselves to see if our faith is really genuine. It's good that we have the opportunity to do that
ourselves. God is kind and will not judge us without giving us a chance to examine ourselves and make any changes necessary
to be sure that we are operating in genuine faith. The King James Version says, "whether ye be in the faith."
Our faith only operates properly when we are truly in the faith. That is when we know and are assured that
Jesus died for our sins and that we have received salvation through His shed blood. Being in the faith is knowing that
Jesus Christ lives in us. How can we examine ourselves?
This word has a meaning that refers to the testing of metal. It means testing to see if there is any
adulteration of the metal. So we must examine our hearts to see if we have a pure heart. Hebrews 10:22 says that we must draw near God with a true or pure heart in full assurance of faith. Just as an
imitation gold coin is worthless to the discerning eye of the collector, so fake faith is worthless to God (and ultimately
to us). We can examine ourselves by checking our belief system to be sure that our faith is in no one but Jesus Christ,
the Father and the Holy Spirit. We can also test ourselves and ask, "Do I have a clear conscience before God because
it is sprinkled by the blood of Christ?" In other words, "Do I fully believe that the shed blood of Jesus
has cleansed me from all my unrighteousness?" The King James Version says, "except ye be reprobates"
in place of, "it means you have failed the test." It actually means castaways. It is not God's desire
that we be castaways so He gives the privilege of us doing a self-exam. If we find ourselves wanting, what can we do?
We can run to Him with a pure heart in true repentance (John 6:37). True repentance will always win the heart of our Father. Jesus said he will not cast us
out. We will not be castaways. Another way to test ourselves
is to check the fruit of our faith. We cannot work to obtain faith or God's favor. But, if we are in the faith,
we will exhibit fruit. Our works will show that we have faith. Although we cannot work our way into faith, what
comes out of our faith will be good works. Anyone who says He has faith but his works are evil is not telling the
truth. Faith that doesn't produce good works is dead (James 2:26). So, there are a few ways we can examine ourselves this morning to see if we are really in the faith.
It's an open book exam so we can go back to the Word of God if we need to find the answers. Since God is allowing
us to examine ourselves, a pre-test of sorts, there is still time for repentance. As a body of believers, can we
tell that Jesus Christ is among us? May it be so. May it also be that those around us can tell that Jesus Christ
is among us and be drawn to a faith that is pure and holy. As we walk in the faith, our faith will become stronger and
stronger. We will literally go from one level faith to the next and so on (Romans 1:17) as the righteousness of God is revealed to and through us. So, was it a hard exam? How did you score? Thankfully, God has given us the chance to take this
pre-exam now before we go for the final exam! MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 9, 2006 - GET READY TO FIGHT! 1 Timothy 6:12 (Amplified Bible) Faith is a gift from God and we are each given
a measure of it (Romans 12:3). But we do have an adversary (1 Peter 5:8). He does not want us to acknowledge or use the gift we have been given. He doesn't even want
us to recognize the fact that we have it! So, we must be sober and vigilant to foil his attacks which sometimes make
us feel as if we are hopeless and helpless. We are neither! We have the gift of faith inside of us and we must fight
for it and with it! Faith is not some intangible thing. It is
evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Evidence suggests something that is admissible in court. It is something solid and substantial.
It is not subjective. It is completely objective. It is the substance of things hoped for. It is not
just a wish. It is substance. While it is true that we may not see that substance and evidence immediately
with our physical eyes, we see it with eyes of faith. The devil would tell us that, "what you see (with
your physical eyes) is what you get." That is a rather twisted form of the truth. Faith has eyes - spiritual
eyes. Yes, what you see with your spiritual eyes is what you will get. Faith is evidence and faith
is substance. If you look at a drop of water on a piece of
glass with the naked eye, that is what you will see. If you put it under a microscope, you will see something altogether
different. What looked like a drop of water without the lens of the microscope now looks like a teeming pool of life.
Some of the most powerful telescopes have lenses that allow us to see things coming toward our galaxy that we have never seen
before. The lens in that scope allows to see what is coming. So it is with our faith. When we see with eyes
of faith, we see what is coming. Others may not see it. But we do. In the natural, at the present time,
it may look impossible. But, if God has given you a promise (and He has given us many), you'd better believe it!
Abraham and Sarah, by faith, believed the promise and received it. So did Mary and she bore the Son of God. They
believed. They used the faith of God that He had deposited in them. Do you have your "Son-glasses" on
this morning. Can you see things that are on their way? Are you ready to fight the fight of faith because you
see with your lenses of faith the promises that are coming. All of God's promises are yea and amen but the fight
is on as to whether you will keep watching with eyes of faith or be distracted by the deception of the evil one. Sure
there are going to be fiery darts that come against you when you begin the fight but God has given us a shield of faith with
which to protect ourselves. So, let's put on the whole armor of God this morning(Ephesians 6:11). Don't forget to pick up that shield of faith. No weapon can penetrate it! Now, it's
time for war - if God be for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Oh, - and don't forget those "Son-glasses!" MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 8, 2006 - IN WHOM IS YOUR FAITH? Today, there are many ministries and many leaders
of the flock that have great charisma. They start out doing what God called them to do and then get drawn into temptation.
None of us are above it. That is why each of us must have our own personal relationship with Jesus, our own devotional
and study time, our own prayer time. We can be thankful for those who minister to us but we must not put our faith in
them. Our faith must always remain in the only One who is able to keep and guard what we entrust to Him until He
comes back for us. Many follow a leader instead of following The Leader, The Shepherd. If that leader happens
to fall, they become disheartened and quit their walk with Christ. This is not the way it should be. If a leader
falls, we should pray for God's mercy upon that person and upon the flock under them. Just like anyone else who
misses the mark, they should be gently restored by a more mature Christian (Galatians 6:1). The early Christians were tempted to follow the
leader too. But, Paul admonished them by letting them know that we are all to follow only one (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). There is great danger in placing our faith in anything or anyone other than the living God.
He alone is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9). He alone is righteous (Psalm 11:7). Jesus alone was crucified for us (Acts 2:36). There are sensationalized news articles all the time which humiliate us as Christians when they find
that a leader has fallen. The devil wants us to be disheartened and give up because we think, "If the leader can't
resist temptation, how can I?" That's a deception from Hell and it's just what the devil wants to hear us think
or say. The thing is, The Leader did resist temptation. Jesus did it through the power of the Holy
Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that He has given us. If our faith is in Him alone, we can resist temptation too.
We can even withstand the humiliation the world tries to put on Christians because some have fallen into sin (like they
have never fallen?). Every one of us have fallen, Christian and non-Christian. It's just that you
and I, as believers, put our faith in our Redeemer who has delivered us from all of our sins, past, present and
future. That's what faith is all about. MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 7, 2006 - WHAT IS FAITH? Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation) We don't have to look far to find a simple definition of faith. God
knew that we would need to know in no uncertain terms what faith is. He never asks us to do anything without giving
us the tools. Hebrews 11:1 explains faith for us. It is assurance that God will do what He says. It is evidence
of things we cannot see (2 Corinthians 5:7). Some today preach that if you have enough faith, you can ask for a new car or a new house
and receive it. This may be true. God is certainly not limited in what He can do. God is not stingy either.
He is a loving Father. He loves to give good gifts to His children. But, think of it this way.
If you have children, they ask for some pretty wild things at times. If you are a discerning and loving parent, you
will give them things that are good for them. Things they can handle. So, we need not get hung up on the fact
that we asked God for a million dollars, hoped for it and He didn't give it to us. First of all, life isn't
over yet and every prayer is answered in His timing. Secondly, the material things of this world are not the essence
of what faith is about. Back to the basics. We are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8). Now there's something to be thankful for and a cause for rejoicing. How sad to
have received a million dollar home in this life only to spend eternity separated from God (Mark 8:36). We are also justified by faith (Romans 5:1). This means God looks at us just as if we had never sinned! How about that for the rewards of
faith. I've done enough sinning in my life that I'd much rather know that God sees me as though I had never
done any of those things than have something material that I asked for. We are made righteous by faith (Philippians 3:9). Just think of it. We have the righteousness of God. It's through faith! Since
we could never obtain true righteousness in ourselves, how wonderful that God provided it for us. That's more precious
than the costliest jewels! Faith is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). We can't see any of the above things with our natural eyes but we believe them. We believe
we are saved, justified, made righteous in God's sight and can walk displaying the fruit of the Spirit. There will
be an end to faith when we actually see the evidence with our eyes (1 Corinthians 13:8). The end of our faith will be our eternal salvation. We will see it with our eyes (1 Peter 1:8-9). The evidence of our faith may come in glimpses during this life as God provides
for our needs as we trust in Him (Matthew 6:31-33). We may see them when we pray for and receiving healing in our mind, emotions, spirit and body (Matthew 9:20-22). But, the real eternal evidence of our faith is our salvation. Our assurance both now and for
eternity is that we will not be separated from our Creator - ever! Yes, we deserve far less but faith tells us that
we have a loving Father who is not wiling to let us go. Faith says, as one of the new worship choruses says, "All
His promises won't let of me." We can't earn any of this. There is nothing we can do to obtain it.
Everything about faith is a gift from God (Romans 4:5). Don't you just love gifts? Why not begin to, in faith, thank the Giver of all these wonderful
things associated with your faith? MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 6, 2006 - BLESSED ASSURANCE Hebrews 11:6 (New Living Translation) The first two mentions of faith in the New
Testament are by Jesus (Matthew 6:30, 8:10). Its interesting to note that the first use of the word, "faith" in the Old Testament is
God revealing the fact that His children had no faith. The first usage of the word, "faith" in the New Testament
is Jesus saying, "O ye of little faith." The second usage of the word, "faith" in the Old Testament
(and the last) is letting us know that the just shall live by faith. The second usage of the word faith in the New Testament
is Jesus speaking again. This time He has found great faith! Things are looking up here. All throughout
the gospels, Jesus makes comment on the faith He finds, whether it be little or great. Faith is so important to our
walk. As Christians we walk by it, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Consider a blind person. Without some kind of aid, that person cannot walk without stumbling
and falling. A Christian without much faith will surely stumble and possibly fall. The eyes of the Christian
are called, "faith." The Greek word for, "faith" alludes to assurance. The assurance
that the gospel is true. In other words, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory
divine." (Are you singing with me?) If we have that assurance that God is who He says
He is and that His Word is true, nothing will be impossible to us! That's right, nothing!! It's not that
we're so great - of course we know that we're not. It's not about us. It's God's power.
It's God's love. It's God's wisdom. But, by faith, we can tap into our Source and receive any
and all of those things to live the life He created us to live and carry out the purpose for which we were created.
The main purpose is to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). After that, He definitely has plans for each of us to do practical things during our stay on this
earth. He thought of every one of us before the world was created and planned things for us to do for Him (Ephesians 2:10). Do you believe that? There's a lesson in faith right there. But when your faith kicks
in, its an awesome thought. Every one of your days was planned before you were born and there are certain things God
has planned for you (Psalm 139:16). Faith is a process just like any area of growth (Romans 1:17). Notice that God is repeating Himself in Romans 1:17 when He concludes the verse with, "the just shall live by faith." Since we know that,
we are compelled to let God stretch and grow our faith because we want life. Amen? The apostles once asked
Jesus to grow their faith. They recognized that they would need to have great faith in order to carry out the things
Jesus was asking them to do (Luke 17:5). What prompted them to ask for more faith? Jesus had just finished telling them about forgiveness.
He basically told them that they should forgive and keep on forgiving, no matter what. No wonder they asked for more
faith. If somebody keeps doing you wrong, it takes a lot of faith to believe God and forgive them in spite of what you
see and what you feel! What was Jesus's answer to the apostles? He told them that if they had faith the size
of a mustard seed, they could take a tree out by its roots! It is God's desire that we have faith. He did not leave
us alone to find it by ourselves. No. He has given every one of us a measure of faith according to His will and
purpose for our lives (Romans 12:3). God has given it. It is a gift. All gifts must be received, opened if they are to be enjoyed.
Will you open the gift of faith God has given you today? Will you by faith, enjoy and bask in the assurance that all
His promises are yea and amen? (2 Corinthians 1:20) If so, you will walk and not stumble (Proverbs 4:12). Faith in God's Word will cause wisdom to come into your life. You will see clearly.
But, most of all, you will please God! (Hebrews 11:6) MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 5, 2006 - FAITH FIRST MENTIONED Deuteronomy 32:20 (King James Version) Faith is an essential aspect of our Christian
walk. Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). So, it's probably a good idea to be sure we know what it is and meditate on what it means in our
lives. The above verse is the very first time the word, "faith" is mentioned in the King James Version of
the Bible. Wow! It says that God is going to hide His face from His children. Why? They have
no faith. So what is faith, anyway? The Strong's Concordance describes it as, "established,
trusty, trustworthiness." It comes from a root word that indicates belief and assurance. Some of the meaning
in that root word is "to be permanent or quiet; moral to be true or certain." It also has within it's
meaning belief, being sure or established, being steadfast and trusting. So, faith is not something intangible.
We can know we have it and we can see it in others by looking for the above traits. One thing
is for sure. The kind of faith that pleases God is that we first believe in Him. Everything hinges on that. Now
that is not enough in itself. Even the devil believes in God and trembles because of it. Faith is much more than
just belief. It is the assurance that God is who He says He is and that He means what He says. It is walking
in obedience because we believe God is and that His Word stands. It is trusting that His promises are all true
even when we can't see it with our eyes. I know this much. I don't want God to hide His face from
me. I know you don't either. So, may we be found faithful by Him. Interestingly, I could not find
the actual word, "faith" used again in the Old Testament until the book of Habakkuk. That is the last time
I found the word used in the Old Testament. Here we're told that the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4). The word for "faith" used here has the same root as the one used in Deuteronomy 32:20 but is a bit different in its meaning. Its meaning includes such things as firmness, security,
fidelity, stability and truth. In other words, the just (or righteous) shall live by all of the above attributes
found in these two words translated into the word, "faith". Now I've been challenged. How about
you? MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 4, 2006 - GETTING TO KNOW YOU Hosea 6:3 (New Living Translation) All through scripture God calls out words, "Then you will know that I am the Lord." He performs many
signs and wonders. He blesses, He disciplines. He has created beauty and wonder. All of this so we might
know that He is the Lord. It must be very important to Him since He has gone to such great lengths to help us know Him. The
first step in getting to know Him in an intimate way is repentance. Hosea 6:3 calls the Israelites to repentance. He has just disciplined them very, very harshly but Hosea says that He will
now heal them (Hosea 6:1). They have been torn and injured and God has brought it upon their lives in order to get them to turn to Him.
God does discipline His children because He loves them and He wants to be sure that they remember who He is (Hebrews 12:6 ). We discipline or punish our children because we don't want them to grow up in the wrong way. Our
Heavenly Father does the same for us. So, if you've never been disciplined by God, don't be too smug about it.
Remember, He disciplines those He accepts as sons. This is love. It may not feel like it at the time but it is
great love. (Hebrews 12:11) Many teachings today will tell you that God does not bring on hardship. But my Bible tells me that God wounds and
God also heals (Job 5:18). You see, God wants His children to resemble Him in their character and lifestyle. It is a growing process.
It is a refining process and discipline is part of that process. It creates a recognition of sin in us and a sorrow that leads
to repentance. We can be sorry that we've been caught in a sin but that does not lead to repentance. Our heart
must be broken because we know we have fallen short of being like our Father. Then we will really begin to know God. If
you have children or have been around them much, you know they have a mind of their own and they're going to use it!
Their will is untrained and needs to be disciplined for their own safety and for the well-being and peace of those around
them. It is no different with those who are the sons of God. So, today, if you are being disciplined in some way.
If God has revealed some sin in you and is trying to help you overcome it by what seems to be harsh discipline. Be
encouraged. He loves you. He has accepted you as His child and He is
trying to make you to be just like Himself! The quickest way to get through that discipline is to open up the depths
of your heart in Godly sorrow. If you can't do it yourself, you can ask God, your Heavenly Father, to help
you do it. That's exactly what He wants. He wants us to know, recognize, understand and be acquainted
with (AMP Bible) his ways. He wants us to appreciate Him, give heed to Him and cherish Him (AMP Bible) as our Abba
Father. Knowing Him through repentance and discipline is never easy or pleasant but Hosea assures us that He will
restore us (Hosea 6:2). That means He will quicken us and give us real life - abundant life. He will raise us up so that we can live
before Him. Isn't that what we want? To live in His presence? Then we must get to really know Him by
coming to Him in true repentance (a 180 degree turning from whatever sin that has been revealed to us). Jesus came to
bring us abundant life here and eternal life to come. However, His very first sermon upon beginning His public ministry
was an admonition for us to repent because the Kingdom of God is at hand. Lord, cleanse our hearts to the deepest
level this morning. Don't allow us to shrink from your hand of discipline. Help us to realize the fact that
it is a loving hand. Let us remember that that same hand will restore and make us new after you have molded us into
your likeness. Help us to get to know You in all of your majesty and glory. In Jesus mighty name, Amen. MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 3, 2006 - WHEN WILL WE KNOW?. Isaiah 43:10-11 (New Living Translation) God has been trying down through the ages to get His creation to know something.
Just one thing. That He is LORD! He has blessed and He has destroyed in order to try to get our attention.
Do you think humanity may be a bit hard-headed? It seems that neither the blessing or the afflicting has captured our
hearts fully. So, from Exodus on down through the scriptures, there are numerous references to God showing Himself in
earthly affairs with the almost longing words of, "Then you will know that I am the LORD." Do we know that
we know that we know that God is the LORD? The word that is translated LORD is Jehovah. This is the self-existent
one. The eternal one. Isn't it awesome that the eternal, self-existent One wants us to know that He is LORD.
He not only wants us to know He is LORD but He wants us to know Him personally as LORD. He has called us to be witnesses
(just substitute your name for "Israel" in the above verse -Luke 24:47-48). In order to be a credible witness, you have to know what you are testifying about. So, how do
we know that God is the Lord? God tells us we should know, believe and understand. How is that
possible? Today, because of God's sacrifice of His own Son in an attempt to get us to really know who He is, we
can be reconciled. We can become a true witness to Jehovah God who provided Jesus the Lamb to save hard-headed humanity.
Jesus showed us what it looks like to really know that God is LORD. When he finished the task, He sent His Spirit and
gave us His Word to teach us all about Jehovah God. God has always been loving and will always be. That is who
He is (1 John 4:8). God is merciful and he will be that way forever (Luke 1:50). He is totally faithful and that faithfulness will endure to all generations (Psalm 119:90). But, God is also jealous. Yes God is jealous because He loves the children He created - that's us (Deuteronomy 4:24). And, He is holy, allowing nothing sinful to be in His presence (1 Peter 1:15). He is just and righteous and will make every wrong right in His time (Isaiah 5:16). Wouldn't you like to get to know Him even better than you do this morning? I would. That's
what He's waiting for. All we have to do is ask and be willing to receive everything that will make us credible
witnesses. I can only imagine how He would like to be able to say, "Finally, you know that I am LORD.
Finally, My children have acknowledged Me for who I really am." Will you venture to take the time to
really get to know Him? He's waiting. MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 2, 2006 - COMFORT, COMFORT Isaiah 40:1-2 (New Living Translation) Can I bring
you a word of comfort this morning? I was encouraged myself when I turned on the TV while folding some clothes and the
minister speaking brought comfort to me. I couldn't help but think that there was someone else who might need some
comfort too. God spoke to Isaiah the words, "Comfort, comfort my people." Today, God still brings
comfort to His people. We have a Comforter. The Holy Spirit comes right alongside when we have to walk through
difficult circumstances and confusing situations. When it seems as though we can't go another minute. When
it seems as though there are no answers. This Comforter moves in and makes a way where there seems to be no
way. He reminds us that, with God, nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Come on now. If God can cause a virgin to have a baby, what problem is it that you or I
have that God cannot solve? When your faith links with God, nothing shall be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20). When your grief seems to overwhelm and incapacitate you, the Comforter comes. He reminds us that although
weeping may be for a season, joy comes in the morning. God's favor lasts for a lifetime! (Psalm 30:5). When financial burdens and stresses seem more than you can bear the Comforter who reminds us of God's promises tells
us that it is God who gives us the power to gain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19 that God is able to provide all that we need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (those riches include
everything in the heavens and the earth). When you are confused and don't know which way to turn, 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us that God has not brought that confusion and disorder. He brings peace. 2 Timothy 1:7 helps us remember that God has given us a sound mind. James 1:5 gives us the confidence that we can obtain the wisdom we need. When we are attacked by the forces of darkness
in any way we can know that none of those weapons will ultimately bring us down if our eyes are fixed on God (Isaiah 54:17). When our children have gone astray and our hearts break, we can trust in the living God who cares more about them
than we do (Psalm 103:17). When old age seems to creep in and the enemy tries to tell us we can't go on, God tells us that we can be
fruitful to the end (Psalm 92:14). God has promised to carry those who trust Him (Isaiah 46:4). Those who are young need not worry either because God has made provision for every age gender and race. Young
Timothy was encouraged not to let anyone despise him because he was young (1 Timothy 4:12). God anoints and uses the young as well as the aged (Joel 2:28). Yes, the Comforter pours Himself out upon us when and if we are ready to receive and nothing will be impossible
for us. The smallest bit of faith can move a mountain. So, whatever might be standing in front of you today, speak
to it in faith in the mighty Name of Jesus. Rest in and be comforted by the fact that His Spirit is with you.
Let the Comforter remind you that God does not have plans to harm you but plans for a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He is waiting for you to call on Him because He has promised that if you do, He will show you some pretty wild things (Jeremiah 33:3). Trust in Him. He wants to grant you the desires of your heart if your heart is right with Him (Psalm 37:4). The greatest comfort of all (and all of the above are just a smattering of the comforts afforded those in the Kingdom of
God) is that, through Jesus, you are free! All your sins have been forgiven and you no longer have to fear or be in
bondage. You are no longer under any condemnation if you have received Jesus (Romans 8:1). Jesus took your punishment on Himself on the cross. He took your sickness into His body as the blood poured
from His lacerated back. All of your sin and sickness now belong to Him. You don't own it anymore! God
is for you and nothing can separate you from Him (Romans 8:38). Now if God is for you, who would dare to stand against you (Romans 8:31). Yes, the Comforter will help and comfort us in any situation so that we can then pass along that word of comfort
(2 Corinthians 1:4). There now. Is anything too hard for the Lord? Absolutely not. Rest in Him today and walk with the
Comforter. Hallelujah! MORNING MANNA - NOVEMBER 1, 2006 - HEART TROUBLE Hebrews 3:13 (New Living Translation) Although
this verse may sound like we are to preach at or to one another, the word, "warn" here is translated "exhort"
in the King James version and it actually means, "to call near." It is a word that has within its meaning,
comfort, invitation and exhortation. Because we love one another, we are to continually remind each other of how easy
it is to become deceived by sin and have our hearts become hard toward God. This verse was not written to those outside
the church or unbelievers. It is written to those who have tasted of the goodness of the Lord (Hebrews 3:1). It is especially true in these last days (Matthew 24:24). We can get so used to "church" and being a "Christian" that we begin to take it for granted.
We get comfortable and forget or refuse to grow in the Spirit. We don't think carefully about Jesus. Any
one of us can fall into this trap and the deceiver, Satan himself, is more than happy to help us get there! God is not
willing that we should fall into the trap of deception and sin which will begin heart trouble that can be fatal.
He wants us to have hearts that are soft toward Him and toward one another (Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 36:26). The Israelites, under Moses' leadership, had the very presence of God with them. He went before them in
a pillar of fire and hovered over them in a cloud (Exodus 13:21). Yet, though they could see His presence, they became hard-hearted and stiff-necked. We have God's presence
with us if we will receive it. It is in the form of the Holy Spirit. We can't see the Spirit. Our walk
is a walk of faith. It is extremely easy for us to be deceived and have our hearts hardened. Yet we have
encouragement from Jesus because He says that we are blessed if we have believed even though we have not seen Him
(John 20:29). The writer of Hebrews is looking out for us and we need to comfort, invite and exhort one another to
come away from any sin or deception that would cause us to have heart trouble. God says it twice in Hebrews.
You know when God repeats Himself, He really means it! He says today, right now, when you hear His voice,
don't harden your hearts (Hebrews 3:7, 15). Hard hearts cause rebellion. God says rebellion is like witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). God has something very final to say about the sin of witchcraft (Galatians 5:19-21). These people will not inherit the Kingdom of God. May we all examine ourselves today while we are hearing His voice
and pray diligently that we might not be found having our hearts hardened. After examining ourselves with the help of
the Holy Spirit, may we then pray for one another that sin and deception will not be found among any one of us. We have
been given a wonderful heart transplant by the Great Physician. It is up to us to keep it healthy by living a life of
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